James J. Sweeney, 84, of Westport, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18, 2014 at home. He was the husband of Phyllis (Evans) Sweeney, they were married for 46 years.
Mr. Sweeney served in the Marine corps from 1947 – 1951 and attended Michigan State University from 1951 – 1956, graduating with a BS in police science and administration. He served in the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, assigned to Chicago from 1956 – 1960 and the U.S. Department of State from 1961 – 1980. He was a Diplomatic Courier in Frankfurt, Germany from 1961 – 1965 and served as Special Agent, Office of Security/Bureau of Diplomatic Security, at American Embassies in Rabat, Morocco and Brussels, Belgium.
Born in Staten Island, NY, he was son of the late John J. and Josephine (Cappeletti) Sweeney. Summers were spent with family at Point Pleasant, NJ. The consummate fisherman, Mr. Sweeney, accompanied by his brother, could often be found fishing in the surf. While not residing abroad, Mr. Sweeney and his family lived in Springfield, VA. Following retirement, The Sweeneys moved to Westport, MA, where he built a beautiful home on the Westport River. Continuing his love affair with the water, Mr. Sweeney maintained a non-commercial lobster license and spent several days each week on his Boston Whaler tending traps. He was able to share his passion for the river and ocean with family and friends until his final days.
Including his wife, survivors include 2 daughters: Lesley Sweeney DeNoia and her husband Claudio of Merano, Italy and Allyson Sweeney Ade and her husband Dylan of Wellesley, MA; a sister: Helen S. Costa of NC; 4 grandsons: Calvin James DeNoia, Jack Sweeney DeNoia, Sean Sweeney Ade and Matthew Powers Ade. He was brother of the late Thomas J. Sweeney.
Memorial service will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Beacon Hospice, 183 N. Main St., Fall River, MA 02720 or Habitat for Cats, PO Box 79571, Dartmouth, MA 02747.